I’m not a big fan of Network Television. I will watch an hour or two a week for shear entertainment value – but I can’t remember the last time I saw even a minute of Network News. It’s been years. I’d rather listen to an audio book, participate in a webinar or conference call or find a home study course to feed my mind as I continue to learn and grow. The only exception I make in arranging my schedule is during Football season, and that can turn into an entire day, typically on Sunday when I’m taking a break anyway.

Hey – I’ve been a Football fan all my life and this old dog ain’t about to turn a new trick when it comes to my Pittsburgh Steelers.

A show that I do have an interest in however airs on NBC tonight – the first of six primetime episodes entitled Breakthrough with Tony Robbins. It’s reality TV with a twist – it’s designed to inspire and enlighten you which is typical Robbins.

Some of the oldest tapes I have in my library (which should tell you how long I’ve been of fan) are from Tony Robbins. He’s one of the earliest mentors I can think of for personal development and self-improvement. In an effort to reach and positively impact even more people, Tony Robbins has created 6 one-hour primetime television specials that begin airing on NBC starting this Tuesday, July 27th at 8 p.m., 7 Central. They will run every Tuesday evening for the next six Tuesdays including tonight.

I applaud Tony for putting something positive out there in the main stream media. One of the reasons I haven’t watched a network news program in years is because it’s so negative. This person killed here – that robbery there – and the economy as always – in the toilet. If you really think about it – do you really need to know how many murders and robberies there are?

If something is important enough that you need to know – it’s going to make it’s rounds in one form or another. I certainly don’t need to go looking for it.

Tony has always been different. He’s offered tools and insights to improve people’s lives. If you’re a follower of Tony like I am, you’re going to want to tell friends, clients, family or anyone you care for about this show. Some will thank you – others will ignore you – while I’m sure there will be others that scorn you for telling them. (If that’s the case – maybe you need to reconsider who you call “friends”.)

Here’s a little bit about the show that came through an e-mail from Chet Holmes (more on Chet latter):

After more than a dozen offers and years of turning away producers and networks, Tony finally found a format that appealed to him and one that can really impact you, your friends, family and clients.

I was in the studio audience for segments of some of these shows, and there was not a dry eye in the house. You will be inspired, moved, motivated and profoundly affected. I mean this first episode is a knockout. Imagine you’re on your honeymoon and jump in the pool and hit your head on a step and, wham, you’re a quadriplegic for life.

That doesn’t just affect you. It seriously impacts your loved ones. In the very first episode, Tony shows you that “the story” you tell yourself shapes the entire quality of your life. Powerful. You have to see it.

But wait! There’s more! (I’ve always wanted to say that for some reason.)

Tony and Chet built a program called: Four Ways to Double Sales in 12 months. Because your reading this – you’ll be able to download that program as well. Even in this bad economic period, all four of these ideas help dramatically strengthen any company and give you paths to serious success.

Chet offered the free training in the e-mail —a 90 minute program from Chet Holmes and Tony Robbins absolutely free. (And no registration or e-mail required either.) You can download it here.

For more information and insight into tonight’s powerful new show, you can read more about it and watch a couple more videos @ www.breakthroughinsider.com. Everyone in the personal development and marketing world that I communicate with is talking about it. (About two dozen e-mails yesterday.)

Personally – knowing what Tony is all about and how he’s transformed lives – I can’t wait.

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Remember that as a kid?

Or how ’bout this one?

“I’m rubber – you’re glue. What bounces off of me – sticks to you!” or “I know you are – but what am I?”

Back in 2007 a former columnist for MSNBC came bursting on this blog to tell me what MLM was really all about. Amused that anyone would “Double Dog Dare” me to produce commissions to validate my worth, I found this person simply ignorant. Ignorance I can handle with proper documentation and information to enlighten anyone willing to learn. The very meaning of ignorant is uninformed; unaware.

But stupidity is a completely different animal which I have to admit, I have very little tolerance for.

Many in the industry were shocked that I would not only communicate, but befriend someone so full of hate and bitterness. I’ve always believed that people can change their tune given the proper information. I’m living proof of it. People who have never known me during my drinking days can’t believe I was a functioning alcoholic.

I’ve been told that part of my appeal is that I make myself vulnerable – being open and honest about my past mistakes in an effort to help others learn from them. Nobody’s perfect, and to act like you’re the only one who is, is not only distasteful, but foolish.

It’s my belief that everyone is capable of change and enlightenment.

An awakening.

Some however, are far more stubborn (or stupid) than others. To avoid change, they play childish games like double dog daring you, and I know you are – but what am I to deflect the attention off of themselves and slap it right back on you.

Two weeks ago I outlined yet another gross misrepresentation of John Frenaye’s who still can’t seem to check his facts before he opens up his mouth. He has a long history of gross misrepresentations and lies that we’ve documented here on this blog. All bent out of shape about girdles he stated (among other gross misrepresentations) that the products cost more through ZamZuu so the company could feed the “pyramid”.

Granted, I poked fun at him using him as an example of someone needing a girdle – but it doesn’t change the fact that ZamZuu provided a 23% savings to our clients over a direct sale with Ghiada. The MLM “expert” had been exposed once again as a clueless.

Instead of acting like an adult and making some sort of correction – the dolt spends the next three days lambasting yours truly for being an MLM loser and failure – not on MSNBC – or in a trade publication – or one of the 10 agency locations once dreamed of, but on a free Blogspot account that has been his home for that last three years.

My how the mighty have fallen from grace.

What’s even more amusing is that one of his best buds also decided to take pot shots at me through e-mail and comments here in an attempt to disrupt my peaceful and productive existence.

It’s not that I don’t want to take responsibility for their anger. Truth be told, I actually enjoy pushing their buttons and getting them worked up. I read them like a book. When Jeanie Sharpless told me about her NCL cruise, I told her exactly what would happen if I put it in my newsletter. Like clockwork – it was up on John’s blog within minutes of sending it out, with all the spin and hype we’ve all come to expect from YTB’s biggest goof.

And I just laughed because I just knew it would get his goat. Illusions of lime green T-shirts crawling all over NCL with the quote “I got here free – ask me how” dancing in his head.

Their perceptions and illusions have gotten so out of hand that it’s actually easy to poke fun at them – even when you know they’ll attempt to bounce it right back on you. And when they do, you’ve won because mindless ridicule and childish outbursts are only used when you have nothing left.

So why aren’t they able to get me all upset and bent out of shape in the same way? Why am I so willing to just sit there and take such words as “failure”, “loser”, or “dumb ass” so easily?

I’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s money.

Money and success have a strange way of taking anything that’s negative about you and turning it into a non-issue. In fact, it can be downright comical when money arrives at the same time you’re being lambasted by a bunch of critics and cowards as some sort of failure. Truth is, they have nothing better to do with their time. They trample all over someone in an attempt to elevate themselves by putting you down. They’re showing how frustrated and jealous they are by their actions. (Forget words to the contrary.)

Since the last time I wrote about John two weeks ago – I’ve deposited over $6500 into my bank account doing exactly what I told you I was doing with multiple streams of income. Since residuals are paid on the 11th of each month, and travel commissions are paid on the 25th – none of it comes from recruiting or travel sales with YTB. (Besides, any of those commissions are put on my YTB Pay Card.) You’ll also notice no particular time such as the 1st and the 15th or every other week, nor do the deposits look as if taxes were taken out for an interest free loan to the Government.

Yep, looks like life is pretty rough right now for the Bauknight family – because critics have said so.

And to think if I didn’t take that first step with YTB all those years ago – I’d still be stuck in the Corporate World making someone else rich off of my efforts.

Guys, I’m not posting my income to brag or to tell my critics to go pound sand. (Well…they can still pound sand cause they’re idiots and I don’t care what they say or do at this point.) I’m posting this because you should never – EVER – allow anyone to tell you that you’re not worth it. You should never – EVER allow anyone to ridicule you from fear or jealousy. If I can do it – so can you. All you have to do is apply yourself and never – EVER quit.

Sure, you’ll fall down and go boom – several times. But the trick is picking yourself up, and trying it again with a slightly different approach.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Taking a good look at critics like John Frenaye – you’ll quickly see how you’ll end up if you don’t change or adapt; Bitter, angry, destitute, and without many options at your disposal.

Guys like John Frenaye don’t own you. I realize they demand approval and permission because they think their opinions should matter. Fact is, they’re nobody worth listening to. The louder they are the farther you should run. Find some new friends who will support you and mentor you. It’s also important to find friends who are more successful than you are. Hanging around a goof like John will leave you bitter, broke and a member of his dumb ass den.

It’s time to grow up folks and take charge of YOUR dreams – not John’s illusions or perceptions. It’s a fairy tale that only exists in his head and they’ll never win and never quit because their oversized egos won’t let them.

So go for it! Go ahead – I double dog dare you! ;-P

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That life is boring at YTB. ;-P

I apologize for not getting something out sooner – the kids had early release the last two days and we had projects planned. I also have a business to run and don’t have the vast amount of time in my profession that others apparently have. I have however been trying to sort out fact from fiction from various sources I know and trust via phone since the latest episode of “Days of YTB” has hit cyberspace.

Before we get started…I think it’s appropriate for the proper background music due the nature of what’s happened this week. For your listening pleasure, I’ve resurrected an oldie but goody that I’ve used before when there’s so much talk about YTB.

Apparently there was a mass exodus of wackos over the last 36 hours that have put out some pretty outrageous stuff. As usual, those of us who have a firm grasp on the situation are left to clean up the mess. Due to time restraints, I need to warn everyone that I have not read – but merely heard some of the rumors I’m about to squash. Therefore, please understand that some of what I might comment on – may not have ever been written in the vast space we call the internet – nor can I reference just who said it.

The following is a list of what I have heard and what I know to be true.

YTB’s CFO, John Clagg has resigned effective February 2nd. I’ve heard of various scenarios on how this came about. Some reasonable and some outlandish. The reasonable would consist of being burned out. With what the company has gone through since the California Law Suit was filed the day before the 2008 National Convention, and a new CEO who has a keen eye on the companies bottom line – it’s understandable that it would drain anyone.

Another reason I’ve heard is that John saw the writing on the wall – meaning, YTB isn’t going to make it.

Please…

One, the company has secured a $650,000 loan based on the expectant sale of the former home office located at One Country Club Drive. Which is odd – because it’s been widely publicized for years on various boards and blogs that YTB doesn’t have any assets to speak of. (Who knew?)

Two, it was announced on a company call yesterday, and corresponding documentation will be available to the field of some 300 $1000 Quick Start Bonuses will be in mailboxes across the country today. The ZamZuu e-commerce platform announced at the Coach’s Birthday Bash in early January has provided a much needed stimulus package for the field. When the field is making money, the company is making money. The enhanced commission structure enables the average person to attain a bonus, and that builds momentum.

You certainly don’t need to be a CPA to understand that cash flow isn’t the current problem at this point in time. (Still tight, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.)

An interesting observation from some time ago – I remember the exiting CFO being chastised by critics as “unqualified” for the position. It’s rather convenient that the ridicule and lack of qualifications are quickly tossed aside now that John has decided resign. I just love how folks can play both sides of the fence when a new position appears to benefit them. Happens with Directors too. All of the sudden these liars, scammers, and cheaters suddenly turn into Saints simply by leaving the company for another.

It would make any John Kerry supporter proud.

While there is a rumor of massive trading from our Directors due to this news, I’d hardly consider 29,300 shares massive. While John did resign on February 2nd, it was well after the closing bell on Tuesday. (3:00 Central time) I’ve never really understood just why this type of rumor persists with our Directors. I just chalk it up to ignorance and a way for critics to create more drama. Day traders have a ton more fun with this stock than any Director. Due to the timing of our CFO’s resignation and how suddenly (although not surprising) the resignation developed – nobody had any chance to benefit one way or another from this news. Based on the volume, between the verbal resignation and the release of the 8K – the numbers certainly don’t indicate insider knowledge.

Current CEO Robert Van Patten will fill in as interim CFO of the company until a replacement can be acquired. Mr. Van Patten is well equipped to fulfill the roll as CFO for YTB International, and has been in charge of much larger corporations in the past. His leadership is the largest reason why YTB has been able to acquire – all be it small – profits the last two quarters even with revenue down in 2009.

Another rumor floating around is that Ron Head, YTB’s Master Distributor has been terminated. While this may be the case after a thorough investigation – at present any word of termination is premature. Ron has I’m sorry to say been suspended due to possible cross recruiting.

If I’m getting e-mails and calls from every Tom, Dick, and Harry about the next “Big Thing” I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of carrots our Directors are seeing. How much greener the pastures are – how well everyone BUT YTB is doing in this economy – or all those “special positions” reserved for “true leaders” in the industry. I’ve seen and heard some real WHOPPERS in regards to rumors about what’s going on with YTB – including one I’ll mention later – that aren’t created by critics of MLM – but other MLM companies to lure people over to their company.

Attaining a Circle of Champion Director from YTB is a HUGE feather in the cap of any company because – as we all know – YTB created massive amounts of income for those who went to work. So much so, it caught everyone’s attention. Especially in an industry that understands and wants “recruiters”.

A personal note here – and this has nothing to do with Ron or any specific Director who has since left YTB for “greener pastures”. I have yet to hear of see any of YTB’s former Directors leave and actually stay with the next best thing they left YTB for. Several Directors that I know of have been with several different companies since leaving YTB and I can’t think of one (NOT ONE) who is currently better off today than they were the day they left YTB. Nor, with the exception of Corr, who just launched his new venture this week, is currently with the same company they moved on to.

That’s not to say they won’t be able to find another home. For some, I sincerely hope they do. It should be noted however that all of the fanfare up to this point has been nothing more than a passing fancy for every single Director who has left YTB for the next big thing.

Another very curious rumor floating around was that Coach, Scott and Kim were forming another MLM. Honestly, I just can’t wrap my head around this one. Critics, I could understand – they’ve always thought that our Founders would eventually call it quits. Some speculated retirement on some remote island with all our $50 checks in tow – while others speculated another industry entirely to rape and pillage. I’d expect that kind of stupidity from them.

It appears that rumor has also been squashed as Coach has been appointed the newest Master Distributor of…

Wait for it…

YTB.

Sigh…Coach will be recruiting again and honestly, it’s what he does best. I realize that frustrates some, and I know the fears and phobias surrounding the word “recruiter”. People slap that word on me all the time – and truth be told – yes, I do recruit. I recruit for Carnival, Princess, Sandals, Collette, Delta, Air Tran, Holiday Inn, Avis, Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, and YTB. (Among others, but you get the idea.) We all recruit in some form or fashion and I fail to see what the concern or deal is when it comes to word “recruit”.

I can only hope that at some point in time they come come to grips with their “issues”. But don’t expect me to own that type of stupidity and fear just because it makes someone angry or bitter. The heightened outbursts and emotions I see reflects more about them, then it ever will me.

In closing, for those of you in YTB for reasons only you have a right to decide and place judgment on – don’t lose your focus or the sight of your dreams. Many of you got into YTB to sell travel and/or e-commerce. Others have found a new spark in the e-commerce platform that has triggered bringing people into a very promising opportunity that like travel a couple years ago was attractive to the masses.

If you’re like me, you see all the deposits waiting to turn into cash when these vacations are consumed this summer. Like the company, you need to think long term and tighten up to stay in the game in order to capitalize on the deposits your sitting on. Others saw checks in the form of cash back this week for doing what you already do – shop. More of the same is coming on the 11th when the residuals for being a business owner are sent out not only for your own shopping but all those who shopped on your sites.

By the way you realize they too got cash back checks this week from their own shopping experience with ZamZuu right?

Call them up…ask them if they think this works.

I got to tell you, it’s a much better alternative than searching the internet right now, trying to get a feel from a bunch of cowards who don’t have the guts to put a real name behind what they plaster all over the internet or talk about on the phone.

Because I had another post scheduled for today, it’s been bumped to Monday. I think you’ll like it and it drives home why ZamZuu is right on mark and why big name companies are going to a model just like ours to sell their product or service. You don’t want to miss it!

Hope to see you again on Sunday in your e-mail box with this week’s wrap up and the Just Picture It Now Newsletter.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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I received my ASTA SmartBrief this week and was floored at one of the columns highlighted in this week’s mailing.

Before I move forward, I need to put out some sort of warning here that readers should not be drinking any type of liquid at this point in time. (All the sugar in your Kool-Aid will ruin the monitor and cause the keyboard to stick.) When you find out who the author is, you’ll be just as surprised as I was. (As others have asked if this is the same now famous critic of YTB we’ve all come to know – but not actually love.)

Truth is, if there’s anything going on about YTB, you’ve got to know at this point in time that John Frenaye isn’t far behind. He’s pretty famous in our company for trolling the internet on anything YTB. It makes no difference if it’s one of his peers in the industry, a District Judge, an industry Power List, or an articulate member of YTB – John has an uncanny way of coming up with a “Yeah-But” or a “Look over here” piece to take the focus off the main subject and point you down a road that conforms to his own perceptions and beliefs.

Although this article is riddled with some pretty absurd perceptions of how MLM takes things to the extreme, you can judge from you own actions and experience if it has any value. Personally, I’ve never lost a friendship over YTB and nobody’s ever vowed to never speak to me again. Furthermore, I’ve never been approached by anyone about any opportunity while standing in line at that grocery store.

We can simply kick those perceptions to the curb for the time being.

I do however, have to give John some credit for pointing out some very basic and solid business skills that MLM does in fact excel at. Based on my own experience with YTB, my business looks very much like his “traditional business” in every aspect. Based on those of you I personally know in this company, I think you’ll agree that yours does too.

All the snide and exaggerated comments and perceptions aside – there is something for the new recruit here to learn about why MLM works.

Referrals are as simple as John says they are. Do you know anyone who might be interested in selling travel, or picking up some extra income on a part time basis? The beauty of MLM is that you work when you have time. It’s not like a regular part time job that you have set hours, and quotas that you need to meet. Which can also be a problem for some. It’s far too easy to think that you don’t have the time. The vast majority of our company work YTB on a part time basis with regular jobs and families to tend to.

Think about it…doesn’t asking for referrals sound much more attractive than hounding someone in line at the grocery store? (Who’s really tried that anyway?)

When it comes to follow-up, the company has a very cool system in place called the YTB System. I’ve used something similar to this my entire carrier with YTB. Not only does it capture qualified leads for you, but also notifies you when a prospect has looked at the program. Notifications are also sent when they’ve returned and what they’re looking at while on the site. Using a system like this allows you to sort, not chase. For those who work YTB part time, this puppy is a real time saver. You’ll find yourself working with and talking to qualified prospects who are truly interested in what you have.

It’s all about working smarter not harder. However, the entire system is wasted if you don’t follow-up. It doesn’t have to be nearly the nine times John talks about. (I personally only spend half that much time before moving on.) But the money truly is in the follow-up.

Lastly, I’ve never seen a company with more products, or more streams of income than YTB. All I bought 5 years ago was a booking engine to sell travel. I was also given the opportunity (meaning it was a free opportunity) to sell booking engines as an added stream of income. Today, I’ve got something for hunters, golfers, newlyweds, and with the addition of shopYTB, just about any other product under the sun. If it’s available online, I probably have it. Heck, I’ve even got beef jerky if that’s what you’re into. (Or in John’s case – girdles!)

Yes, I know there some ribbing going on about that sort of thing. Honestly, neither the jerky nor the girdles get me all that excited. But I’m certainly not going to knock the women of YTB for going nuts about girdles. (I know better – and if John was still married, he probably would too.)

These skills, principles, and the model really DO work. It’s why Avon is still around after more than 120 years. It’s the same reason Earl Tupper pulled Tupperware off store shelves in 1951 and has been sold via the MLM and the Direct Sales model for almost 60 years. After a decade of selling Nutrilite Products via MLM, two guys founded the American Way Association in 1959, which we know today as Amway. (Amway now owns Nutrilite Products Corporation.) In 1963 Mary Kay Ash started with 9 “beauty consultants” which today has expanded to 32 countries. In 1977 a good ol’ southern boy for Georgia founded A.L. Williams and just two years later, J. Lloyd Tomer joined the group just before the company outsold the entire insurance industry for 7 straight years in a row during the mid to late 1980′s.

And today you have a little company based in Wood River, Illinois who has been able to sell $424 million in travel in its 8th year in business.

There are hundreds of companies who sell via this model because MLM does have it right. (Take a look at the DSA list for more than 200 of them.)

True, it’s sad that John and others can’t seem to get out of their own way at times when it comes to some of the ridiculous and outlandish beliefs. Just remember, don’t take it personally. (Unless you’re the one person who pestered him in the grocery line. ;-P)

Truth is, MLM is more like their traditional business than they’ll ever know.

The only difference is some get that, and some don’t.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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I did a phone interview about a week ago with my good friend Samuel over on Traffic Is King. We talked at length about blogging, Social Media, creating your niche, finding your voice, and how to become an authority on the internet.

Some of the topics we covered:

• How I got started in the travel niche
• How to be viewed as an authority in your niche
• How to have readers hungry for your content
• Using relevant social media tools at appropriate times to connect with your readers
• Silencing your toughest critics and getting them to send you traffic
• Remaining the Top Dog in your niche and maintaining your readership

This was a really fun interview for those that have been following me over the years.

Listen to the call over on Traffic is King.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Back in April we got word of a “tentative” settlement with California concerning this notion that we are some sort of gigantic pyramid scheme. I got word yesterday afternoon that the word “tentative” has now become “final”. I have to admit, when I read Jerry Brown’s press release, I was taken aback over his choice of words that he has “brought an end to an elaborate pyramid scheme“.

What brings calm to this situation for me, was clicking the link to the actual legal document that was signed and filed with the courts. I would also suggest to everyone in YTB that we focus on the legal documents here, and not get caught up in the spin of what YTB can and can not do.

YTB has been in discussions with California for the last two years. Fact is, YTB is ALREADY doing the vast majority of what’s mandated. There are however a couple of new items, which we will let you decide if they’re all that difficult to abide by. If you’ve been doing things right all along, there really shouldn’t be any changes in the way you conduct your business.

What I find interesting is that YTB is being required to file with the California Department of Corporations (DOC) and gain approval to sell franchises. Yes, franchises. From my understanding, documents are already in the hands of California at this time and it will take some time to get everything ironed out. (90 days plus according to the filing.) If a franchise is in the works for California, I would speculate that like everything else that we’ve put in place because of California the franchise will also go company wide. Currently I am aware of 14 states including California and Illinois that will require this type of disclosure to move forward. From all the phobias about MLM, I can only see this as being a positive move.

Question: Is this one of those pyramid deals?

Answer: No it’s a “franchise”.

It doesn’t matter that a franchise has many of the same features of an MLM, it’s the public perception here that counts. ;-P

Why YTB is required to do this and no other MLM is, I really couldn’t tell you. Fact of the matter is, YTB’s been singled out (once again) and we’re required to move to this franchise model in California and now possibly Illinois.

So let’s look at what’s “changed” here.

We must “change” as to not require a Website Seller to be or become a Website Owner, and shall not require a Website Owner to become a Website Seller. Since we’ve never required anyone to do one the other or both I really don’t see why this is even in here. That disclaimer has been on our Marketing Sites for years, and has also been part of our presentations.

No Website Owner shall promote, market, offer, sell, or make any representations regarding the Website Owner opportunity unless the Website Owner is also a Website Seller. If I own a Travel Website, and want to sell websites, I have to also be a Website Seller. I can however be a Website Seller only, which of course remains a free position with the company.

Many in the business didn’t understand why the booking engine link was removed from our marketing sites a while back. It was much easier to show our “product” this way. Many as well don’t see why YTB sends out a Travel Compass on Thursdays, and a Biz Report on Fridays. Why not combine the two?

Effective June 1, 2009 the Website Owner opportunity shall be separate and apart from the Website Seller opportunity and Defendant’s marketing, promotion and information regarding the opportunities shall be strictly separate. Information about the two opportunities shall not be combined in any brochure, flyer, advertisement, e-mail, internet advertisement, or any other writing promoting either opportunity.

Point is, the company made this separation ages ago and has little effect on how we currently promote the two opportunities with the exception of our live opportunity meetings. Thus the creation of the Travel Parties at the beginning of the year.

There shall be no fee to become a Website Seller, for any training or certification or exam related to becoming or remaining a Website Seller, or for any aspect of becoming a Website Seller. Mind you, “Website Seller” is formerly known as a “Rep”. Can anyone remember a time when YTB charged a single red cent for any of this?

We’re all aware of the Income Disclosure Statement we currently hand out. Like that’s a “new change”. We do however have to provide one for Travel now as well, but not together of course. (Remember the opportunities are separate.)

You know that about the SEC filings that states how many RTA’s we have, how many joined, and how many dropped out. Again, like that’s a “new change”.

The disclaimer we currently use for California that no one can guarantee your success, not everybody makes money in YTB, and that you don’t have to become a Website Seller is another “new change” that we’re already doing.

At this point in time, you may be asking yourself…what HAS changed?

Effective June 1 2009, Defendants shall provide a demonstration website for all Website Sellers to use to market the Website Owner opportunity, and all Website Sellers shall use the demonstration website and shall not use any other website to demonstrate the Website Owner opportunity.

Why? Because….

Website Sellers shall not represent or imply that a Website Seller must or should purchase a website in order to be successful as a Website Seller or that the purchase of a website may be used to help Website Seller sell websites. Why checking out BandBVacations.com won’t work for anyone who needs to check out how our booking engine works is beyond me. OF COURSE people want to see the “product” and if I didn’t have one, I’d show them one of the THOUSANDS readily available. But it makes the AG happy, so we’ll use a “demo” site to show people how this works.

Defendants shall not pay a Website Seller the full amount of such compensation unless at least 60% of the Website Seller’s total personal sales volume is derived from Website Owners who are not also Website Sellers. Meaning that you now need to limit the amount of Website Sellers in your business. You actually want people that are solely interested in selling travel. If you look at the Income Disclosure Statement from 2007, it documents that 80% of the people in YTB didn’t recruit a single person you quickly realize that’s not going to be hard to do.

The idea here is an attempt to limit the amount of income Website Sellers make. (Also known as “recruiters”.) Clearly, California and the “experts” who designed this didn’t bother looking at the Income Disclosure Statement when they designed this rule. With only 20% of the company acting as Website Sellers, it’s not going to be very difficult for Website Sellers in the company moving forward to make that 60/40 split. Unfortunately for California and other critic who have a phobia about “recruiters”, they got too caught up in the actual income and not how the large sums of income were actually made.

I’m willing to bet, much like the minimum booking requirements that are now out the window which we agreed upon years ago (that didn’t slow us one bit) that this too will be modified when they see how this new rule doesn’t work they way they want it too. I don’t mean to be nasty here, but this is a perfect example of how the Anti-MLM just follow along with the myths and don’t look at the documentation provided. What they think is a huge drawback in the compensation will hardly effect a single recruiter who knows how the numbers really work.

Oh, and if by chance this little 60/40 split does work, guess who keeps the money. Coach, Scott and Kim. The very 3 men they are trying to bleed dry of money.

Moving on…

There will be a 14 day “cooling off” period for anyone who is looking at the business. Mind you, during this period there will be documentation provided by the company to help them make an informed, educated, business decision. Commissions available, market share, the training provided, and company tools to help them become either a Website Owner or a Website Seller. (All part of the “franchise disclosure laws”.) All franchises have a “cooling off” period in the required states.

And finally…why the AG even needs to put this in here just goes to show how STUPID some people are when it comes to promoting their business. We are now restricted from spouting off income, compensation lifestyle, pictures representing homes, vehicles, or leisure activities to imply we live “the good life”. This is a business folks. And while these things can certainly be enjoyed from owning a business, don’t flaunt it in order to put someone in the business.

Also, none of us are tax experts, so don’t make claims about tax deductions without first telling them to consult a CPA before writing anything off.

So…what did all this cost YTB? Here’s the kicker and it wasn’t even close to the $25 million filed in order to “protect consumers”.

$400,000 went for a fine directly to the state. $475,000 went to pay the legal fees for the state…and $125,000 went the the ‘victims’ who claimed they got ripped off. Almost 90% of the money paid, the state will keep, leaving the ‘victims’ with the remaining 10%.

So much for helping out the consumer.

Not quite the monetary penalty that everyone claimed it would be. In one regard however, the simple filing worked like a charm for those who laid claim that California was poised to shut YTB down. Many listened and left. Some out of choice. Some out of necessity because their businesses had been ruined since they couldn’t or wouldn’t fall back on the product that got us where we are today. (Travel)

In closing…I wish I could tell you that it’s all behind us. However, it looks like Illinois was waiting in the wings and within hours of the final settlement being filed, Illinois has now decided to jump in to take their share.

Not sure how this will play out now that the franchise model is in the works. We did know this was a possibility and I suspect the franchise was brought in to prevent states from “piling on”. How this will all play out, even with all the “changes” we’ve made because of California…

Right now…I couldn’t tell you.

One thing I can tell you is this. Our Founders, Executives, and Attorney’s are working on a solution. I’d advise you to stay focused as well on the solution instead of the problem.

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I don’t like to favor any one team member more than any other, and I will tell you that one particular team member gives me so much lip and grief that part of me doesn’t even want to tell you about what he’s doing. (Sorry buddy, but you do! ;-p) When you find someone with business smarts like Chris, sometimes you have to swallow your pride for the greater good of the team and the company.

Chris found me like most people do, over the internet, and what impressed me most was that Chris wasted no time and took action from minute one and picked up the phone and called me instead of waiting for me to call him. Chris asked a lot of questions and I gave him resources and information to make an informed, educated decision about our company and our business model.